‘Bad Guys Hiding In Forests’-  Civil Defence Boss Tells Minister After Tunji-Ojo’s Charge To Sit Up

The Interior Minister, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has urged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to prioritize the safeguarding of critical national assets and infrastructure.

Tunji-Ojo made the call on Friday while addressing NSCDC Personnel during the World Civil Defence Day celebration at the Corps headquarters, in Abuja.

The World Civil Defence Day is celebrated annually every March 1st. The 2024 celebration is themed “Honor Heroes and Promote Safety Skills”.

The minister also inaugurated 50 marshals tasked with protecting mining sites and commissioned operational vehicles for NSCDC.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of a sustainable implementation plan for nfrastructure protection, stressing that every damaged pipeline or telecommunication tower is a setback. He encouraged the Corps to remain efficient.

“Every pipeline, telecommunication tower destroyed is a minus , a solid mineral soil tampered with is a minus to the corps.

“You have a lot of work to do and if you do not occupy your space someone else will so you can only remain relevant by virtue of efficiency.

“As a security agency, the more you do, the more you have a lot to be done and must not be tired but willing to do more,” he said.

While addressing the broader mandate, the minister ordered the NSCDCto support the Fire Service and provide assistance during national emergencies.

“Civil Defence has a lot of work to do. You have arguably one of the most sensitive and broadest mandates,” the Minister said.

He hinted at a potential review of Private Guard Companies (PGC) criteria, due to its security-related nature.

“We must be able to upscale our requirements and make PGC a profession of pride because PGC are security related,” he said.

Expressing concern for personnel welfare, Tunji-Ojo said that he had summoned an emergency board meeting for peculiar allowances. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Corps, emphasizing their

crucial role in maintaining national security.

“I will go the extra mile to get it if need be. We care about your welfare as you get to have sleepless nights because you want us to sleep and so you sacrifice too much for us to ignore you,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He charged the  newly appointed mining marshals to be ambassadors for the ministry and Nigeria, and contribute to the Corps’ positive image among security organizations.

The NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Abubaker Audi, who was also celebrating his third year in office as NSCDC boss, emphasized the

squad’s role in protecting mining sites and combating illegal mining activities.

“The mining industry sometimes have these bad guys who hide in our forests and so it will not be a simple task but we are capable as our men  have been well trained and are members of the special forces.

“They will work with sister agencies especially the Military and in conjunction with the Ministry of Solid Minerals,” he said.

Audi expressed concern about the rate of oil theft in Nigeria and highlighted a concerted effort by a serious cabal involved in illegal mining. 

However, he reassured that the NSCDC has developed strategies to tackle these challenges, citing the NSCDC ‘Agro Rangers’ success in securing farmlands and boosting agricultural activities in various states.

According to the CG, reports from the All Farmers Association in Nigeria, indicated that yields had increased in recent times.

“Agro Rangers have cushioned the effect of farmland desertion in states like Borno, Yobe, Ekiti, Nasarawa and some parts of kaduna. They have been escorting farmers to farms,” Audi said.